Cortes Island: Manson's Lagoon Light, September 9,10, 2026 - Trips by Cortes Island Kayak

First there was Springsteen's Dancing in the Dark, but for two evenings we Kayaked in the Dark with Cortes Island Kayak. A total of 18 people toured Manson's Landing Lagoon in the dark to observe Bioluminescence.  This feature is the production of light created by invertebrates such as plankton when water is stirred or disturbed.  It was impressive display with wispy particles of matter glowing light green in the dark waters.  Bioluminescence occurs as a result from a chemical reaction between a substrate and an enzyme.  Great fun fun again from Cortes Island Kayaking who provided the equipment.

Mistaken Island - September 8, 2026, Jim Powell

For those who didn't attend the Cortes trip (September 8-11), there was an opportunity to paddle the Beachcomber Peninsula out to, and around Mistaken Island on the Tuesday (8th).  This trip was initially scheduled for September 1 and deferred due to poor weather.  Conditions on the 8th were okay, but still a little windy with some chop along the swells.  Lunch was at Wall Beach and the return journey bypassed going into NW Bay and focused on getting back to Nuttal Bay. It was a nice paddle of approx. 10km  and fun riding some swell that kept us on our toes. 

Cortes Island: Hague Lake, September 10, 2026 - Scott & Donna Roy

Cortes Island: Manson's Landing to Shark Spit, September 10, 2026 - Harvey Pearson

Our start was exciting:  to gain access to the ocean, we had to run rapids from a quickly emptying lagoon.   As we traveled north 12 kms to Marina Island, the ten members braved a very strong headwind.   Enroute, a rugged broken coastline with many small islands and coves presented interesting marine views and scenery, from cliff top houses to passing sailboats, from colonies of seals to spotting sea urchins and anemones along the way.  After a somewhat arduous paddle, we were rewarded with a very pleasant lunch spot at Shark Spit adjacent to Uganda Passage.  A happy group, we quickly found our way home with a strong breeze at our back and a straight line run to the launching point.  This no doubt will be a favorite paddle for some, myself included.

Cortes Island: Exploring from Cortes Bay, Sept 9, 2026 - Two trips led by Cortes Island Kayaking

Anticipating windy conditions for a scheduled paddle out from Cortes Bay on Thursday September 10, our leader (Jordan) led two separate trips on Wednesday.  One group started at 9:30 with six paddlers while an afternoon group left around 2:30 from the same location.  We explored small islets and paddled out towards Twin Islands.  We saw many seals, oyster catchers and spied the Red Bluffs.

Cortes Island: Exploring Gorge Harbour, September 9, 2026 - Harvey Pearson

Eleven members paddled 13 km around the perimeter of Gorge Harbour.  The weather was warm and a light wind blew from the north-west.  An interesting landscape of cliff mounted cabins and live-aboards in the harbour.  Seals were plentiful and we made a venture through light rapids at the harbour entrance to see the pictograph paintings created by the Tla'amin (Sliammon), Klahoose, and other Coast Salish peoples between 1,000 and 2,500 years ago.  Much time was spent observing the oyster industry and how it works. 

Ladysmith area - August 25, 2026, Harvey Pearson & Scott Roy

 August 25th, 2026

16 paddlers met at Ladysmith Fisherman’s wharf and were treated to a cloudless day with minimal wind and flat water.  We launched at low tide at 9:30 a.m. and returned to the wharf at about 2:00 p.m. having travelled 13.36 km or 8.3 miles.

We paddled across the harbour to the 49th parallel sign, then along sculptural sandstone rock formations, logging activity and past the Seattle Yacht Club. After paddling along the shoreline to Sharpe Point, the majority of the group paddled around Coffin Island and then we all met at Elliot Beach Park for a picnic lunch. (This little gem of a park can also be accessed by road)

After lunch we paddled around Evening Cove and back around Sharp Point and made our way along the shoreline admiring sea stars, small fish and assorted birds including quite a few herons. We had another short break on the beach at Bute Island to enjoy a mud bath for our feet and had a good view of the log boom workers in action. Although it was a beautiful day, there was minimal boat and logging action in the harbour to contend with. After this break we all headed back to Fisherman’s Wharf and loaded up for our journey home.

Thanks to Harvey and Scott for leading and Donna for sweeping with support from Cheryl and John. This was the maiden voyage for our new waterproof walkie talkies and they worked like a dream. Thanks to Jim Powell and PGOSA for coordinating and sponsoring this new essential gear.

Report by Donna and Scott Roy